Have You Been Told You Need Heart Surgery...Is It Really Necessary?

Over half of angiographies, angioplasties, and stents have been questioned for medical necessity according to several studies coming out recently. Some go as far as to say that many are done for liability, economics, insurance, and medical politics.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggested just that, and confirmed the danger associated with these procedures.  Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that when heart specialists were away at academic conferences, the survival rate improved and the death rate of patients with heart attacks was less over the next 30 days.

This study also showed that the cardiologists that attended these meetings went on to do 22.3% more procedures every year.  Patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction during these meetings while these cardiologists were away had a lower 30 day mortality.

The study concluded that specialists that attend the meetings are prone to using invasive interventions for thier patients, of which many do more harm than good, rather than taking a less aggressive approach.

If you or a family member have been told you need any of the above procedures, why not make sure and educate yourself as much as possible before making that decision. Give us a call at 806-355-8263 or schedule here online to visit with one of our physicians about all your available options.

Author

Gerald M. Parker, D.O. Dr. Parker has been practicing as a Doctor of Osteopathy for over 30 years in the Amarillo area. He specializes in treating allergies, atherosclerosis, hormones, pain, obesity, and strokes. Dr. Parker has had ample training in the field of stem cell therapy and completed module I and II workshops by the American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians. He is a member of various organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Pain Management and Sclerotherapy, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and American College of Regenerative Medicine. He's received recognition as a Physician of the Year by the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Physician’s Advisory Board and is on Marquis’ “Who’s Who in the World” and “Who’s Who in Medicine” list. Dr. Parker has shared his expertise on TV shows, such as “The Today Show,” and “That’s Incredible.”